5 Proven Ways to Stay in Vietnam Legally Without Stress or Overspending

  

The Challenge of Finding Affordable Ways to Stay in Vietnam Legally

Vietnam has become one of the most attractive destinations for expats, digital nomads, and retirees. Its low cost of living, rich culture, and welcoming environment make it an ideal place to live. However, many foreigners struggle with one major question: how can they stay in Vietnam legally without facing unnecessary expenses or complicated bureaucracy?

For some, the most convenient choice is a 90-day e-visa combined with regular visa runs, but this approach can be both expensive and unpredictable. Others look for more stable solutions such as work permits, student visas, business investments, or even marriage-based residency. Each of these options has different financial and legal requirements, making it essential to find the best fit based on long-term goals and budget to stay in Vietnam legally.

If you are looking for a reliable way to stay in Vietnam legally, this guide will break down seven cost-effective options, ranked from the least expensive to the most costly. Whether you are a freelancer, an entrepreneur, or someone seeking permanent residence, this article will help you understand the best visa options to remain in Vietnam legally and affordably.

The 90-Day E-Visa and Visa Runs: The Low Cost But Least Stable Option

For many foreigners, the easiest and most cost-effective way to stay in Vietnam legally is by using a 90-day e-visa and renewing it through visa runs. While this approach requires frequent travel, it allows individuals to remain in the country with minimal legal and financial commitments.

How It Works

The Vietnamese government offers a 90-day e-visa that can be obtained online. The cost is around $50 for multiple entries. Before the visa expires, travelers must exit the country, apply for a new visa, and return. Many expats choose to fly to nearby countries like Thailand, Malaysia, or Cambodia, while others prefer land border crossings.

Annual Cost Estimate

• Visa fees: $100 – $200
• Flights or land border runs: $500 – $1,800
• Total estimated cost: $650 – $2,000 per year

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• The lowest cost and simplest way to stay in Vietnam legally.
• No long-term commitments such as employment or business registration.
• A good option for digital nomads and short-term visitors.

Cons:

• Requires leaving the country every 90 days.
• Visa policies can change, making long-term stability uncertain.
• Some foreigners have been denied re-entry after repeated visa runs.

Who Should Consider This?

This method is ideal for digital nomads, part-time residents, or those testing life in Vietnam before committing to a long-term visa.

Student Visa: Stay in Vietnam Legally While Learning the Language

For those who want to stay in Vietnam legally while also gaining valuable language skills, a student visa is an excellent choice.

How It Works

To qualify, individuals must enroll in a Vietnamese language school that offers visa sponsorship. The visa is typically valid for six months to one year and can be renewed as long as the student remains enrolled.

Annual Cost Estimate

• Tuition fees: $1,000 – $3,000
• Visa extension fees: $100 – $200
• Total estimated cost: $1,100 – $3,200 per year

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• A legal and stable way to stay in Vietnam without frequent travel.
• Learning Vietnamese improves integration into local life.
• No need for employer sponsorship or investment.

Cons:

• Requires actual attendance in classes.
• Some schools charge high fees for visa sponsorship.
• This is not a permanent residency option.

Who Should Consider This?

Expats interested in learning Vietnamese while securing a longer-term legal stay should consider this option.

Work Visa and Temporary Residence Card: A Long-Term, Employer-Sponsored Option

A work visa and Temporary Residence Card (TRC) provide one of the most stable ways to stay in Vietnam legally for those with job opportunities.

How It Works

To qualify, an individual must be hired by a company that is willing to sponsor a work permit. Once the work permit is approved, the applicant can apply for a Temporary Residence Card, typically valid for one to two years.

Annual Cost Estimate

• Work permit and TRC fees: $1,000 – $2,500 (often covered by the employer).
• Health insurance and taxes: $500 – $2,000
• Total estimated cost: $2,000 – $5,000 per year

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Provides a stable, employer-sponsored path to legal residency.
• No need for frequent visa renewals or exits.
• Many companies pay for visa-related costs.

Cons:

• Requires securing a job with a Vietnamese employer.
• The process can take several months.
• If employment ends, the visa may become invalid.

Who Should Consider This?

This visa is best for teachers, IT professionals, and skilled workers seeking stable employment in Vietnam.

Business and Investor Visa: Stay in Vietnam Legally as an Entrepreneur

For those who want more independence over their visa status, a business or investor visa is a viable option.

How It Works

Foreigners can register a company in Vietnam and apply for an Investor Visa, valid for one to five years. The company must remain active and compliant with tax regulations.

Annual Cost Estimate

• Business setup fees: $3,000 – $5,000
• Maintenance and tax reporting: $2,000 – $5,000
• Total estimated cost: $5,000 – $10,000 per year

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• A long-term residency solution without employer dependency.
• Allows individuals to operate a business legally.
• Easier renewal process compared to work visas.

Cons:

• High setup and maintenance costs.
• Requires active tax compliance.

Who Should Consider This?

This option is ideal for entrepreneurs and business owners looking for a long-term legal residency solution in Vietnam.

Marriage Visa: The Most Stable and Cost-Effective Long-Term Option

For those in committed relationships with Vietnamese citizens, a marriage visa provides the most cost-effective and stable path to staying in Vietnam legally.

Annual Cost Estimate

• Marriage and visa paperwork: $500 – $2,000
• Total estimated cost: $500 – $2,000 per year

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Provides a long-term, stable legal residency.
• No work or investment requirements.

Cons:

• Only available to those in genuine marriages.
• Divorce in Vietnam could complicate visa status.

Choosing the Best Option to Stay in Vietnam Legally

Each visa option offers a different balance of cost, stability, and legal security. Those looking for short-term flexibility may prefer a 90-day e-visa, while those seeking long-term stability may opt for a work visa, business visa, or marriage visa. Understanding these choices ensures that you can stay in Vietnam legally without unnecessary expenses or complications.

About ANT Consulting and Market Entry Services in Vietnam

ANT Consulting is here to assist you from the outset; providing intelligence, information, advisory, management or support services that assist market entrance, and ensure efficient business start-up operation.

Research Service
Company Profiling and Due Diligence
Policy and Regulatory Research
Assistance in Setting-up Business Venture
M&A Origination & Execution

For legal advise, consult with ANT Lawyers

Source: https://www.antconsult.vn/news/5-ways-to-stay-in-vietnam-legally.html

How A Certifying Attorney in Vietnam Helps Understand Document Certification? 10 Crucial Facts

  For foreigners navigating Vietnam’s legal system, one of the most overlooked yet essential steps is ensuring that documents are properly certified and witnessed. Whether you’re registering a company, applying for secure your work permit in Vietnam, or dealing with legal matters in your home country, you’ll likely need a certifying attorney in Vietnam to verify your paperwork, to provide signature witnessing, making affidavits. 

The challenge? Many expats and foreign investors struggle with understanding who can certify documents in Vietnam, how the process works, and where to get it done efficiently. If done incorrectly, your documents may be rejected, delaying your plans or even leading to legal disputes.

The solution? This article provide an initial guide to walk you through what you need to know about how a certifying attorney in Vietnam could help through advice or service, including when and where to get documents certified, how to avoid common mistakes, and answers to frequently asked questions.

What is a Certifying Attorney in Vietnam?

A certifying attorney in Vietnam is a licensed legal professional whom understand the law and can provide legal advice on proper form of documents to be used in Vietnam, or in other country.   With experience, and expertise, the certifying attorney in Vietnam could also help in some situations the following:

Verify and certify the authenticity of signatures and legal documents.

Provide advise on official copies of documents that are legally recognized.

Witness the signing of important contracts, agreements, and affidavits.

Ensure compliance with Vietnam’s legal requirements for document verification.

Certification is necessary when dealing with government authorities, banks, courts, real estate transactions, and business registrations. Without the proper certification, your documents may not be considered valid under the laws.

Who Needs a Certifying Attorney in Vietnam?

Foreigners often need document certification for a variety of reasons. Here’s a breakdown of who requires these services the most:

1. Foreign Investors & Business Owners

• Setting up entities.
• Certifying contracts and shareholder agreements.
• Verifying business licenses, financial records, and tax documents.

2. Expats Working or Living in Vietnam

• Work permit and visa applications.
• Legalizing marriage certificates, birth certificates, and residency documents.
• Certifying educational diplomas or professional licenses.

3. Real Estate Buyers & Property Investors

• Verifying property ownership and legal documents.
• Witnessing and certifying sale-purchase agreements.
• Certifying documents for real estate inheritance.

4. Individuals Handling Legal Matters

• Power of attorney and legal representation.
• Witnessing wills, affidavits, and sworn statements.
• Certifying identity documents for court cases.

When Do You Need a Certifying Attorney in Vietnam?

Understanding when you need a certifying attorney in Vietnam can save you from costly mistakes and legal troubles.

Below are some of the most common situations where certification is mandatory:

1. Business & Corporate Matters

• Foreign companies registration.
• Shareholder agreements requiring notarized certification.
• Banking & financial documents for company accounts.

2. Visa & Immigration Processes

• Work permit applications requiring certified education records.
• Visa extensions needing notarized proof of employment.
• Marriage & birth registrations for foreign nationals.

3. Real Estate Transactions

• Property purchases involving foreign buyers or sellers.
• Lease agreements requiring legal authentication.
• Inheritance claims with international legal implications.

4. Legal & Government Filings

• Court proceedings where certified affidavits are necessary.
• Power of attorney submissions for legal representation.
• Embassy and consular documents for overseas use.

Where Can You Find a Certifying Attorney in Vietnam?

Finding a reliable certifying attorney in Vietnam is essential for ensuring your documents meet legal standards. Here are the best options:

1. Law Firms & Legal Offices

• Many law firms provide certification, notarization, and legal advisory services.
• Recommended for business owners, property investors, and court cases.

2. Notary Public Offices

• Government-licensed notaries can certify copies, witness signatures, and legalize documents.
• Suitable for visa applications, work permits, and simple contract certifications.

3. Foreign Embassies & Consulates

• Some embassies offer document certification for their citizens.
• Useful for official government documents from your home country.

4. Vietnamese Government Agencies

• The Department of Justice and People’s Committees handle official certifications.

Why is Document Certification Important?

Ensuring your documents are properly certified can prevent:

• Legal rejections – Uncertified documents may be rejected by government agencies.
• Business delays – Company registrations and contracts may be invalid without proper certification.
• Immigration issues – Work permits and visa applications may be denied.
• Contract disputes – Uncertified agreements could be challenged in court.

A certifying attorney in Vietnam can advise how to make your documents are legally recognized, saving you time, money, and hassle.

How to Get Documents Certified in Vietnam?

Follow these steps for a smooth certification process:

Step 1: Identify Certification Requirements

• Check if a certified copy, witnessed signature, or legalization is required.
• Confirm if a Vietnamese translation is needed.

Step 2: Choose the Right Certifying Authority

• Notary Public for common documents.
• Certifying attorney in Vietnam for witnessing.
• Embassies for home-country official papers.

Step 3: Prepare Your Documents

• Bring the original document and your identification.
• Ensure any foreign-language documents have a certified translation.

Step 4: Submit for Certification

• Visit a law firm, notary office, or embassy.
• Pay the required certification fee or service fee.
• Obtain the official stamp and signature.

Step 5: Verify Document Acceptance

• Ensure the receiving authority accepts your certified document.
• If using abroad, check if apostille or consular legalization is needed.

FAQs About Certifying Attorneys in Vietnam

1. Can any lawyer certify documents in Vietnam?

It depends on document or the law which the lawyer being allowed to certify under certain jurisdictions.

2. Can I get my documents certified online?

Some legal services offer remote certification, but most official certifications require in-person verification.

3. Do foreign documents need to be translated before certification?

It depends on where the documents to be used and the language of the original version. A certified Vietnamese translation is often required in Vietnam.  If documents to be used abroad, the Vietnamese version documents would need to be translated, notarized, certified at foreign affair office, and authenticated at consulate of respective country.

4. How long does the certification process take?

It varies. Some certifications take a few hours, while others require several days.

5. What is the difference between notarization and certification?

• Notarization confirms the document’s authenticity.
• Certification verifies signatures and true copies.

Why You Should Use a Certifying Attorney in Vietnam

For foreigners in Vietnam, document certification is a crucial step in business, legal, and personal matters. Working with a certifying attorney in Vietnam ensures that your paperwork meets legal standards, reducing risks and delays.

Whether you’re starting a business, handling immigration matters, buying property, witnessing a statement or dealing with legal issues, certification mistakes can be costly. Ensure your documents are verified correctly the first time with a professional legal expert.

About ANT Lawyers, a Law Firm in Vietnam

We help clients overcome cultural barriers and achieve their strategic and financial outcomes, while ensuring the best interest rate protection, risk mitigation and regulatory compliance. ANT lawyers has lawyers in Ho Chi Minh city, Hanoi,  and Danang, and will help customers in doing business in Vietnam.

Source: https://antlawyers.vn/update/certifying-attorney-in-vietnam-helps.html

Vietnam Digital Currency Exchange: 7 Critical Insights for Foreign Investors

   With plans to pilot a Vietnam digital currency exchange, the government is signaling a shift in its approach to crypto and digital assets. But for foreign investors and companies, the big question remains: Is Vietnam truly open for digital asset businesses, or is this just another regulatory experiment?

For years, Vietnam has maintained a cautious stance on cryptocurrency. Legal uncertainties, lack of clear regulations, and enforcement risks have made it difficult for businesses to operate confidently. Now, with the Vietnam Ministry of Finance planning a pilot digital currency exchange, opportunities are emerging, but so are legal challenges.

The solution? Understanding Vietnam’s evolving digital asset landscape and working with legal professionals to ensure compliance. In here, we will try to understand the legal, financial, and business implications of Vietnam’s digital currency exchange pilot, jn particular:

• What is Vietnam’s digital currency exchange?
• Why is the government launching this pilot?
• Who can participate in this market?
• Where will it be regulated, and how does it compare globally?
• When will the pilot happen, and what’s the timeline for full adoption?
• How can foreign investors and companies enter the market safely?

By the end of this article, hopefully, we will see a clearer roadmap to navigate Vietnam’s digital currency exchange and understand the opportunities and legal risks involved.

What Is Vietnam’s Digital Currency Exchange?

Vietnam’s digital currency exchange refers to a government-backed platform designed to facilitate the legal trade of digital assets within a regulated framework. While details are still emerging, this pilot program is expected to focus on:

• Legally recognized digital assets (which could include tokenized assets, stablecoins, or central bank digital currencies).
• Regulated trading platforms to ensure transparency and prevent fraud.
• Government oversight to combat money laundering and illicit activities.

Currently, cryptocurrency trading remains unregulated in Vietnam, and Bitcoin is not recognized as a legal payment method. However, the pilot exchange could change the game by establishing a legal pathway for digital asset trading under government supervision.

Why Is Vietnam Launching a Digital Currency Exchange?

Vietnam has one of the highest crypto adoption rates in the world, yet its legal framework has been unclear. This initiative aims to:

Address Legal Uncertainty

Until now, crypto traders and blockchain startups have operated in a gray area, with no legal protection. By creating a regulated Vietnam digital currency exchange, the government aims to provide clear guidelines for businesses and investors.

Boost Foreign Investment

A legal digital asset market could attract foreign fintech firms, blockchain startups, and institutional investors looking for emerging-market opportunities in Asia.

Increase Tax Revenues

A regulated exchange would enable tax collection on digital asset transactions, adding a new revenue stream for the government.

Enhance Financial Security

By monitoring digital currency transactions, Vietnam aims to prevent financial crimes, money laundering, and scams that have plagued the crypto space.

Who Can Participate in Vietnam’s Digital Currency Market?

Foreign companies and investors are eager to understand whether they can legally operate, invest, or trade within Vietnam’s new digital asset framework. Here’s a breakdown of who stands to benefit:

Foreign Blockchain Startups & Crypto Exchanges

• If the pilot program allows licensed exchanges, foreign firms could apply for regulatory approval to launch operations in Vietnam.
• However, strict compliance and local partnerships may be required.

Institutional Investors & Venture Capital Firms

• The exchange could offer a safe, regulated environment for institutional investors to buy, hold, or trade digital assets in Vietnam.
• Funds focusing on blockchain startups may find new opportunities.

Foreign Individuals Investing in Crypto

• Retail investors may gain access to safer trading options under government regulations.
• But strict KYC (Know Your Customer) requirements could apply.

Where Will Vietnam’s Digital Currency Exchange Be Regulated?

Vietnam’s Ministry of Finance and the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) are leading the regulatory framework for this pilot program. The legal structure will likely involve:

Centralized Regulation

• The SBV may oversee exchange operations to ensure compliance with financial regulations.
• The Ministry of Finance will likely play a role in taxation and fraud prevention.

Integration with Global Standards

• Vietnam may align its regulations with international frameworks such as FATF’s (Financial Action Task Force) anti-money laundering (AML) guidelines.
• This could ease cross-border transactions and attract foreign businesses.

Challenges to Watch

• Will Vietnam classify digital currencies as securities, commodities, or a new asset class?
• Will foreign companies need a local partner to operate under Vietnamese law?

When Will the Pilot Digital Currency Exchange Launch?

The government has announced plans to finalize the legal framework for the digital currency exchange by March 2025. The key phases include:

Short-Term (2025-2026)

• Regulatory framework finalized
• Licensing processes defined
• Selection of pilot participants

Mid-Term (2026-2027)

• Official launch of the pilot exchange
• Foreign investor participation guidelines clarified
• First legal digital asset trades processed

Long-Term (2028 and Beyond)

• Expansion beyond the pilot phase
• Potential full-scale regulatory adoption
• Vietnam becoming a regional leader in digital assets

How Can Foreign Businesses & Investors Enter Vietnam’s Digital Currency Market?

For foreign businesses and investors looking to engage with Vietnam’s digital currency exchange, a well-planned strategy is key. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Stay Informed on Regulations

• Monitor government updates on licensing and regulatory requirements.
• Work with legal advisors who specialize in Vietnam’s digital currency laws.

Step 2: Establish a Local Presence

• Foreign companies may need a local entity or partner to operate legally.
• Consider forming a joint venture with a Vietnamese fintech company.

Step 3: Ensure Compliance with AML & Tax Laws

• Be prepared for strict KYC/AML regulations.
• Understand tax implications on digital asset transactions.

Step 4: Obtain Necessary Licensing

• If licensing becomes available, apply early to gain a first-mover advantage.
• Prepare for capital requirements, operational audits, and compliance reviews.

Step 5: Monitor Market & Legal Developments

• Vietnam’s digital asset policies may evolve rapidly—stay ahead by working with a law firm specializing in fintech and blockchain compliance.

Why Legal Guidance is Essential

Vietnam’s digital currency exchange pilot could be a game-changer for the country’s financial sector, but legal uncertainties remain. For foreign companies and investors, the key to success is understanding how to navigate Vietnam’s regulatory landscape and ensuring full compliance with local laws.

What’s next?

• Stay updated on Vietnam’s legal framework for digital assets.
• Consult with crypto lawyers in Vietnam before making investment decisions.
• Position your business for early adoption opportunities when the market opens.

By staying informed and compliant, foreign investors can leverage Vietnam’s digital currency exchange pilot while minimizing legal risks.

About ANT Lawyers, a Law Firm in Vietnam

We help clients overcome cultural barriers and achieve their strategic and financial outcomes, while ensuring the best interest rate protection, risk mitigation and regulatory compliance. ANT lawyers has lawyers in Ho Chi Minh city, Hanoi,  and Danang, and will help customers in doing business in Vietnam.

Source: https://antlawyers.vn/update/vietnam-digital-currency-exchange.html